Sustainable Workout Clothes That Do Your Body *and* the Planet Good

It’s no secret that the current state of the world has us all reasonably alarmed. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping most of us at home, WFH sweatsuits, talking to plants and Zoom happy hours have become our new normal. I, for one, may or may not have hosted a funeral for my eight fallen eyelash extensions, so there’s the tea on my deranged condition. But is it just me or is taking live-streaming fitness classes and going out for safe morning strolls pretty much the ONLY thing getting us through these trying times? For both our physical and mental health (see: eyelash funeral), it’s more important than ever to get our bodies moving.

With Earth day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to focus on our commitment to bettering the planet through our sportswear choices. And while physical distancing means we might not be able to bop over to the mall anytime soon, luckily for us these brands are making it easy to shop a greener, more ethical athleisure lewk online from the comfort of our home. Whether they’re pledging their commitment to environmentally conscious production cycles, prioritizing safer working conditions or using less water, these companies are proving you don’t have to sacrifice style or performance when sporting a pair of leggings made from recycled plastic bottles!

So order a metal straw, start composting and be sure to scroll through the brands—and our fave pieces—that will contribute to a more sustainable future while wicking away your stress sweat.

Lolë

Half Moon Bra, $65, ca-en.lolelife.com, Half Moon Ankle Legging, $99, ca-en.lolelife.com

A favourite of yogis, Lolë’s super soft, eco-conscious collection of basics are as chic as they are sustainable. Crafted from recycled fibres sourced from post-consumer water bottles and modal, a fibre made of cellulose, which is a natural component of wood, that is decomposed back into nature at the end of its life cycle (a.k.a. it’s biodegradable), making these everyday workout essentials are a win-win for all involved. In addition, through their Yellow Label Program, Lolë collects gently used outerwear and donates them to local charities across Canada, the US and Europe to help families in need. Smart consumption never looked so easy, breezy and downward dog-ready.  

Girlfriend Collective

Topanga Bra, $55, girlfriend.com, Compressive High-Rise Legging, $98, girlfriend.com

Chances are you’ve probably seen someone in a sleek Girlfriend Collective set in your barre or Barry’s class and wondered “where did they get that?” The brand’s signature high-waist compression leggings and matching bra are hard to forget but did you know they’re also ethical AF? Surprise! GFC is a leader in sustainability, encouraging “slow fashion” in an effort to be eco-conscious every step of the way; and those simple yet perfect sets? They’re actually made from a combination of recycled post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets and waste from the ocean so it’s really no wonder the brand’s amassed a cult-like following—I’ve personally never been so sure of anything in my whole life. Bonus: GFC also offers extended sizes and maternity pieces!

First Base

Surf And Turf Crop Top, $74, thisisfirstbase.com, Surf And Turf High Rise Legging, $115, thisisfirstbase.com

Is it possible to look cool while you’re drowning in sweat? When you’re sporting gear by First Base the answer is hell yes. Thanks to the brand’s neon accents and retro design influences, First Base is Australia’s answer to eco-conscious sportswear that Bella Hadid would defs wear on the low. Their pieces are all made from organic cotton, recycled nylon and bamboo produced without the use of toxic chemicals or polluting residues. And with a p. chic following of 123K on Instagram alone, these high-performance pieces will give you major street cred.

Michi

Drive Hoodie, $202, michiny.com, Drive Short, $158, michinyc.com

Launched in 2010, Calgary native Michelle Watson conceived Michi after relocating to NYC and working as a designer for iconic brands like Kate Spade and Donna Karan. Her goal was simple—marry high-performance activewear with high-fashion style in the most ethical and eco-conscious way possible by ensuring her pieces are Bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® certified. This means the brand complies to strict guidelines to ensure that their textile processing chain is environmentally sound at all stages of production. And with a crew of seriously fit and chic females like Tracee Ellis Ross, Khloe Kardashian and Hannah Bronfman wearing her threads, Michi proves you don’t have to sacrifice function for eco-conscious fashion.

Nimble

Circuit Breaker Bra, $66, nimbleactivewear.com, High Rise 7/8 II, $83, nimbleactivewear.com

If you’re looking for your next workout-to-brunch set, look no further than sustainable Australian activewear brand, Nimble. Whether you’re on the hunt for a supportive bra that’ll actually stay put or pair of breathable leggings that’ll withstand a sweaty dodgeball sesh, Nimble’s got you covered with pieces that not only look cute but are crafted with COMPRESSLITE™and MOVELITE™ fabrics made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles that have saved over 300,000 bottles from ending up in landfills over the past year. What’s more, Nimble donates $1 from every purchase to fund projects dedicated to protecting The Great Barrier Reef and restoring native trees across Australia—now that’s a matching set you can feel good about wearing.

Titika

Major Medium Impact Bra, $73, titikaactive.ca, Kennedy Legging, $142, titikaactive.ca

If you’re a fan of interesting prints and colours, you’ll want to stock up on what Titika has in store. The Canadian activewear brand is a fashion-forward and sustainable alternative to synthetic workout garments with smart designs made from eco-friendly fibres like Modal and Tencel. Bonus: Titika actually owns their production facility overseas which means they retain control over manufacturing practices and ensure firsthand their staff have good benefits and ethical working conditions. Chic.